Mario Kart DS

When I first played Mario Kart DS, I didn’t expect it to become one of the most addictive racing experiences on a handheld system. The Mario Kart series had already built a strong reputation on consoles, but bringing that fast-paced, chaotic multiplayer energy to the Nintendo DS felt ambitious. After countless Grand Prix runs, multiplayer battles, and Mission Mode challenges, I can confidently say Mario Kart DS stands as one of the best entries in the series—especially for portable gaming.

Right from the start, the gameplay feels tight and responsive. The controls are simple but precise. Drifting around corners, timing mini-turbos, and launching perfectly aimed shells feels satisfying even on the DS’s D-pad. Unlike some early 3D handheld games that struggled with performance, Mario Kart DS runs smoothly and maintains a consistent sense of speed.

One of the biggest highlights is the track selection. The game includes both brand-new courses and retro tracks from previous Mario Kart titles. This blend of new and classic content gives the game incredible variety. Racing through brand-new courses like Figure-8 Circuit or Delfino Square feels fresh, while revisiting older tracks from Super Mario Kart, Mario Kart 64, and others adds a strong sense of nostalgia. Rainbow Road, in particular, remains one of the most challenging and memorable tracks in the game.

The character roster is solid, featuring fan favorites like Mario, Luigi, Peach, Yoshi, Bowser, Donkey Kong, and more. Each character has slightly different stats in terms of speed, acceleration, and handling. Unlocking additional characters gives a satisfying sense of progression. I personally enjoyed experimenting with different combinations to find the perfect balance between control and top speed.

Items remain the chaotic heart of Mario Kart. Blue Shells, Red Shells, Lightning Bolts, and Bananas can instantly change the outcome of a race. While some players find this frustrating, I think it’s part of what makes the series exciting. Even if you’re in last place, a well-timed item can give you a fighting chance. The randomness keeps races unpredictable and fun.

One feature that truly impressed me was Mission Mode. Unlike standard races, Mission Mode presents specific challenges, such as defeating a boss character, completing laps under time limits, or navigating obstacle courses. These missions add depth beyond traditional Grand Prix racing. I found myself spending hours trying to earn higher rankings, especially on the more difficult missions.

Multiplayer is where Mario Kart DS truly shines. The introduction of online play via Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection was groundbreaking at the time. Competing against players around the world on a handheld device felt revolutionary. Even local multiplayer with Download Play—where only one cartridge was needed—made it easy to jump into races with friends.

Visually, Mario Kart DS looks impressive for its time. The 3D tracks are colorful and detailed, and character animations are expressive. The dual-screen setup is used effectively, with the bottom screen displaying the map, which helps with tracking opponents and planning item use.

If I had to mention a drawback, it would be that some rubber-banding AI can feel aggressive in higher difficulty levels. Additionally, online play depended on older Wi-Fi infrastructure, which is no longer officially active. However, during its prime, the online experience was a major strength.

The soundtrack complements the racing perfectly. Energetic themes keep the pace exciting, and each track has its own personality. Even now, certain melodies instantly bring back memories of intense races.

Overall, playing Mario Kart DS felt like carrying a full console-quality racing experience in my pocket. With strong track design, addictive multiplayer, and plenty of replay value, it remains one of the most polished and enjoyable games on the Nintendo DS.